For nearly 60 years, St. Jude Medical Center has met the needs of the community, by offering the highest quality care with compassion and respect. We are one of Southern California's most respected and technologically advanced hospitals, and our four core values: dignity, excellence, service and justice are the guiding principles for everything we do. St. Jude is synonymous with exceptional care that extends beyond good medicine to a commitment to caring for you – mind, body and spirit.

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St. Jude Medical Center has proudly served Southern California for over six decades, offering compassionate care of the highest quality. Our staff is composed of nearly 700 physicians who represent every specialty from cancer care to orthopedics. We always strive to set a new standard in quality and care.

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At St. Jude Medical Center, we are proud to serve the healthcare and medical needs of people throughout Southern California. Find out about our specialties by clicking the option above, or search through all of our services by choosing the letter or search to the left.

Today, St. Jude Medical Center’s commitment to excellence is more important than ever—and it is a generous community that makes that commitment possible. But as the medical needs of this community continue to grow, so does the importance of those willing to give to ensure state-of-the-art care. There are many ways you can help. To learn more, please call the St. Jude Memorial Foundation at (714) 992-3033.

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Preparing a Patient For Cancer Treatment

How can patients prepare for treatment?

As a patient, you play an important role in preparing for your cancer treatment. The following are some of the most important things to consider before treatment begins:

Find an oncologist and treatment center. This step is important to everyone with cancer--you want to be sure you get the best care possible. Ask your general or primary care doctor for a referral to an oncologist (a doctor who specializes in treating cancer). You can also contact government and professional medical organizations, such as your state's health department, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), or the American Medical Association (AMA), for information on cancer specialists and treatment centers in your area.

Get a second opinion. It is common for people diagnosed with cancer to ask another cancer specialist for their opinion. A second opinion can help you to be sure your diagnosis and treatment plans are most appropriate for your individual medical history and profile. In fact, many health insurance companies require people to get a second opinion before treatment begins. Asking for a second opinion also provides more information to consider when making choices about your treatment. Often, your oncologist can help you locate another cancer specialist for a second opinion. Many hospitals and cancer centers have "tumor boards" where patient cases are presented to all of the disciplines involved in cancer care: medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, and others. The tumor board will discuss your case and offer suggestions or recommendations to your doctors. you can ask your doctor to present your case for a tumor board review.

Find out about your cancer treatment. Your cancer care team will help you understand your treatment and answer questions. It also helps to learn about the type of cancer you have, as well as your treatment options. Ask your doctor where you can find more information about cancer. This website contains information on many cancer topics. Also, the NCI, the American Cancer Society, and other cancer- and health-related organizations provide helpful information.

Find support when you need it. Cancer treatment can be a long and tiring experience. Many people with cancer need help throughout the process. Getting help from others can make your experience more successful. Support groups for people with cancer and their families are available in many communities. Managing your emotional health, your diet, and your finances are all things you can do to reduce the stress involved in the treatment process. Oncology nurses and social workers are excellent resources for locating appropriate support groups.